Craving a healthy BBQ Chicken Recipes fix that’s easy to make? This BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe delivers all the classic flavors you love in a nutritious, satisfying meal. You’ll find this dish to be both simple and incredibly delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Sweet Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized ones. Regular baking potatoes can be used as a substitute for a different flavor profile.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly. You can also bake and shred chicken breasts or thighs.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite healthy brand. A sugar-free or low-sugar option is great for Healthy BBQ Chicken Recipes.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a tangy note. Sour cream or a dairy-free alternative can be used.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack. A dairy-free shredded cheese works too.
- Red Onion: Adds a zesty crunch. Green onions or chives are good alternatives.
- Cilantro: Fresh herbs brighten the dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley is an option.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- ¾ cup healthy BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings:
- Extra BBQ sauce
- More Greek yogurt
- Sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 380 calories (estimates can vary based on ingredients)
- Tools Needed: Baking sheet, mixing bowls, fork
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Place them directly on a baking sheet.
2. Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until they are very tender when squeezed. The cooking time will depend on the size of your sweet potatoes.
3. Make the BBQ Chicken Filling
While the sweet potatoes bake, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, Greek yogurt, red onion, and half of the shredded cheese in a medium bowl. Mix everything until well combined. This is a key part of your Healthy BBQ Chicken Recipes filling.
4. Finish the Sweet Potatoes
Once baked, carefully slice each sweet potato lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Fluff the inside flesh with a fork.
5. Stuff and Bake
Evenly divide the BBQ chicken mixture among the sweet potatoes, stuffing each one generously. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tops. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the filling is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish your BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with fresh cilantro and any optional toppings you desire. Serve immediately for a delicious and healthy meal.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in some finely diced bell peppers or corn to the filling.
- Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack for a kick, or smoked gouda for a deeper flavor.
- Herb Twist: Experiment with fresh chives or parsley instead of cilantro.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave or in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes for the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you prepare the chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook and shred the chicken up to 2-3 days in advance. This makes preparing your Healthy BBQ Chicken Recipes even quicker.
Q: Can you use frozen sweet potatoes?
A: It’s best to use fresh sweet potatoes for this recipe, as frozen sweet potatoes can become watery when baked whole.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: As long as you choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Q: How do you know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?
A: They are done when a fork or knife easily slides through the thickest part of the potato.
Q: Can you use a different type of potato?
A: Yes, you can use russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes for a different flavor, though they won’t offer the same sweetness or nutritional profile as sweet potatoes.
Q: How can you make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free Greek yogurt alternative and dairy-free shredded cheese.
